Tainos Sports Bar Windows Get Shot By Unknown Suspects In Milwaukee

A bullet hole remained in one of Tainos bar windows facing S. 6th St., background reflection in damaged window shows a building accross from the bar.

Photos by HNG

Tony Vega and local groups kept from performing after multiple gunshots interrupted Sunday's event.

By H. Nelson Goodson
May 31, 2011

Milwaukee - Last Sunday, the Tony Vega Salsa concert at Tainos Sports Bar, 611 W. National Ave. was shut down early by police after suspects shot into the bar from outside. One woman suffered minor injuries to her hand by glass debris.
Orquesta Veneno, a popular Merengue band was about to perform just before 10:00 p.m. when gun shots rang and a crowd of people standing by scenic windows facing S. 6th St. began to scream, scattered and others hit the floor to avoid being shot.
Evidence showed that at least four bullets were fired from outside and penetrated through several windows, but people reported hearing about five to six shots.
A woman who didn't want to be identified said, Orquesta Veneno was about to play when the shooting incident occurred. The whole event was stopped as police and investigators arrived.
On Tuesday, some of the people who were at the Vega dance on Sunday came back to Tainos at 6:30 p.m. expecting some sort of refund or a rescheduled ticket for a future event. Tainos Facebook page, posted a note for people seeking a refund to stop at the bar, according to a woman who showed up. She said, Tainos Facebook followers who attended the event, posted comments that they wanted a refund.
The person in charge of the Tainos bar declined to comment, but said "thank god no one was hurt." The manager wouldn't say when the next event will take place, or what type of refund was being offered. The cancellation of the Vega dance by Tainos bar will end up to be costly and a major loss of revenue. Tainos owners are not booking anymore events temperarily, but is expected to reopen this weekend.
Police continue to investigate the shooting incident that cancelled the Vega concert.

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GAB Certifies Recall Elections For Six Wisconsin Senate Republicans

Recall elections for six Senate Republicans to be held in July.

By H. Nelson Goodson
May 31, 2011

Madison - On Tuesday, the Government Accountability Board (GAB) certified recall elections for six state senators. The election will take place in July. The GAB determined there were sufficient signatures for a recall election for each of the following Senate Republicans, Alberta Darling, Randy Hopper, Robert Cowles, Luther Olsen, Sheila Harsdorf and Dan Kapanke.
The GAB is delaying recall elections for three Democrats who challenged the petitions and alleged fraud. The GAB will take more time to investigate the fraud allegations and won't certified recall petitions for three Senate Democrats, Dave Hansen, Jim Holperin and Robert Wirch.
Governor Scott Walker (R) will be facing a recall himself after he completes one year in office. Walker signed into law Act 10, which eliminates most collective bargaining rights for most state employees.
Last week, Dane County Judge Maryann Sumi, ruled Act 10 was passed in a state legislative meeting that violated open meetings law, thus voiding Act 10. State legislators failed to give 24 hours notice for the meeting. Republicans are seeking for the State Supreme Court to hear arguments in the case in June and for the court to take up the case.
The Republicans have been recall for voting to eliminate collective bargaining rights for most state employees. The Democrats are being recall for leaving the state for a month to stall a vote to eliminate union state employees to engage in collective bargaining.

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Undocumented Drunk Driver Kills Houston Police Officer

Johoan Rodriguez

Officer Kevin S. Will

Photos: Houston Police Department

Drunk driving suspect is in the country illegally.

By H. Nelson Goodson
May 31, 2011

Houston, Texas - The Houston Police Department reported that Johoan Rodriguez, 26, an undocumented immigrant has been charged with the death of Police Officer Kevin S. Will, 38. Rodriguez went through a road block on highway Loop 610 and fatally struck Will at 3:45 a.m. on Sunday. Officer Will was investigating an accident, but Will was able to yell at a person to get out of the way before getting hit by Rodriguez vehicle.
Rodriguez blood alcohol was .238, three times the legal limit and has been charge with intoxication manslaughter of a peace officer, possession of cocaine and felony evading with a motor vehicle, according to the criminal complaint.
The criminal complaint states, that Officer Will was on duty, conducting an investigation on a previous accident on the 610 North Loop near Yale when Rodriguez, driving a silver Volkswagen Beetle, passed through a police barricade blocking the freeway. Officers pursued the Volkswagon but, before it could be stopped, the vehicle fatally struck Officer Will.  Rodriguez was taken into custody at the scene and then transported to Ben Taub General Hospital where he was treated fo minor injuries, according to both HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant D. Usher and Officer C. Hall.
Will was sworn as a police officer on September 2010 and had been assigned to the Vehicular Crimes Division.
Will leaves behind a wife and two children ages 6 and 10. Officer Will's wife is six months pregnant.
A judge refused to set bond because Rodriguez is considered a flight risk. He is expected back in court on Wednesday. An immigration hold has been placed on Rodriguez.
Federal court records showed Rodriguez had been charged in 2005 for illegally re-entering the U.S.

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Bradford Beach Closed By Milwaukee County Sheriff Deputies By Mistake

Sheriff deputies shut down Bradford Beach hours early without authorization on Memorial Day.

By H. Nelson Goodson
May 30, 2011

Milwaukee - On Monday, thousands of people gathered at Bradford Beach were forced to leave when Milwaukee County Sheriff Deputies announced the beach was closed hours early. The beach park closes at 10:00 p.m. Deputies began to disperse crowds from the beach at around 6:30 p.m. and scores of people (Milwaukee County taxpayers) weren't to happy as they were being forced out of the area. Most of the people affected were African-American and minorities.
Earlier in the afternoon, traffic had been blocked from getting access into the beach, but it didn't keep people from walking along the beach.
Deputies were suppose to keep the crowds moving along the sidewalks and from walking on N. Lincoln Memorial Drive. But deputies in motorcycles, mounted in horses and squad cars without authorization began to announce that "the beach is closed." They moved people out of the area and thousands were seen walking out of the beach.
A Sheriff supervisor later admitted that deputies misunderstood an order and took it upon themselves to force people out of the beach. An inquiry into closing the beach early will be initiated, according to the supervisor.
Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke could not be reached for comment.

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Mexican Kinder Teacher Applied Technique For Students To Hit The Floor When Gunfire Erupted

Photos: Youtube

Five reported dead outside a kindergarten school in Monterrey.

By H. Nelson Goodson
May 30, 2011

Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico - On Sunday, Martha Rivera-Alanis, a kindergarten teacher posted a Youtube video taken while a gunbattle occured near the Alfonso Reyes Children's Garden school. Rivera-Alanis quickly reacted and had her students get on the floor with their chest to the ground moments after gunfire near the school was heard. She could be heard calming the children and getting them to sing a song while rapid gunshots were heard on the background.
She was able to video tape the moment it happened, which showed her students frighten, nervous, and curious. Rivera-Alanis posted the video on her Twitter account on Sunday and wrote that she wasn't looking for fame, but used a learned procedure to get the children on the floor quickly for their safety.
On Monday, she was recognized for "Civic Outstanding Courage" by the local Secretary of Education for her quick action to protect the children at the school. The Mexican officials have been using certain safety techniques in schools to prepare students to react when gunfire or emergencies occur.
Rivera-Alanis quickly reacted moments after a gun battle ignited outside the kindergarten on Friday and instructed the children to hit the floor for their protection. The gunfire ambush erupted
when five men inside a vehicle were selling drugs to drug buyers at a taxi stand in the Estanzuela sector in the southern part of Monterrey. When another group of suspects arrived and exchanged gunfire. Five men were killed, according to the Nuevo Leon State Attorney General's Office.

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Kougar Kardashian or Patty Baena?

credit: LopezTonight.com

 Who would you rather? Kougar Kardashian or Paty Baena? Click here to vote!

When you're done voting don't forget to sign my petition to George Lopez!

Milwaukee Police Detained Several Suspects In Domestic Dispute In The South Side

Photo by HNG

Multiple police squads responded to domestic dispute.

By H. Nelson Goodson
May 29, 2011

Milwaukee - On Sunday, multiple police squads responded to a domestic dispute involving at least four people in the 3000 block of W. Pierce St. An altercation broke out before 6:15 p.m. on the second floor of a multiple apartment building resulting with one injury.
Police detained several people from the building. Officers had been called to the apartment building three times before the disturbance broke out.
In two other unrelated incidents, police responded to a strong arm robbery just after 10:30 p.m. at the 800 block of S. 30 St. where a women was reported beaten and robbed by two black women. The suspects are being sought by police.
Police also responded to shots fired at S. 6th St. and W. National Ave. by Tainos Sports Bar. On Sunday, Tony Vega, a popular Salsa artist was performing at the bar. Police have not released any information about the incident.

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Abandon Makeshift Raft Found Floating 20 Miles Off Florida Keys

Photos courtesy of Tito Rivera

One pair of men's running shoes and a funnel attacked to plastic bag found inside raft by three fishermen.

By H. Nelson Goodson
May 29, 2011

Marathon Key, Florida - On Sunday, Tito Rivera from Tallahassee who was out on a fishing trip with two of his Wisconsin brother-in-laws, Wess Eckert and Richard Leavitt reported to Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) an abandon floating raft 20 miles Southeast of Marathon. Rivera said, the makeshift raft was found on Friday, but wasn't reported to the U.S. Coast Guard because it was abandon and they couldn't see or locate anyone near the four person raft made of plywood, 4 innertubes and a blue polyethylene tarp.
Rivera was able to check inside the raft to see, if he could find anything or anyone in it. Only a pair of male tennis shoes were found and a funnel attached to a plastic bag to collect fresh water, according to Rivera.

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Thunderstorms Keep Crowds Away And UMOS Springfest 2011 Shuts Down Early

Photos by HNG

Yearly festival at UMOS Corporate Office location suffered a setback on early Sunday afternoon due to rain, high winds and lighting.

By H. Nelson Goodson
May 29, 2011

Milwaukee- On Sunday, the United Migrant Opportunity Services (UMOS) Corporate, 2701 S. Chase Ave. sponsored SpringFest 2011 suffered a mild setback when organizers decided to shut down the festival at 4:00 p.m. due to early rain showers, gusty winds, lighting and thunderstorms. This years' SpringFest resulted by moving the Cinco de Mayo festival from early May due to projected bad weather and then rescheduling it for May 29 hoping favorable weather conditions would result.
On early afternoon, the wet weather conditions kept the expected crowds away and organizers shut down the event. The festival began around noon and was expected to end at 10:00 p.m.
Despite the weather, food venders offered enchiladas, quesadillas, tortas, tacos, and beverages until 3:30 p.m. and the music end shortly after. UMOS beer sales totalled about $100, according to organizers.

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26-year-old Man Charged With Santiago's homicide inside La Piazza

Frank J. Brown

Suspect caught by surveillance camera arguing and shooting two brothers, apparently was graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Class of 2011.

By H. Nelson Goodson
May 27, 2011

Milwaukee - On Friday, Frank J. Brown, 26, was charged in Milwaukee County Circuit Court with one count of 1st-degree intentional homicide with a dangerous weapon in the shooting death of Luis E. Santiago, 31, and one count of attempted 1st-degree intentional homicide with a dangerous weapon for shooting Antonio Santiago, 28. Brown confessed to police that he had an altercation with three men inside La Piazza Restaurant, 1504 E. North Ave. on early Tuesday and then shot both brothers. The argument resulted over a dollar drink (beer).
The criminal complaint states, that police were able to recover surveillance video from a camera inside La Piazza, which shows Brown arguing with the Santiago's and another man. When questioned by police about what had happened, Brown referred to the video, "that's what happened." Indicating, Brown was aware of a surveillance camera inside La Piazza and might had recorded the shootings, which the complaint confirms that it did.
He admitted to taking a handgun into La Piazza and the next day, Brown disposed of the weapon in Lake Michigan.
Brown's apparent Facebook account shows him in the graduating Class of 2011 from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Majoring in Accounting. He attended Rust College in 2007 and graduated from North Division High School in 2003.
Another suspect remains in custody and another man is sought in connection with Santiago's death.
If convicted, Brown is facing life in prison without parole.

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29 Members Of Nayarit Drug Cartels Dead After Confrontation In Mexico

Photo: EFE

Three injured and 29 dead in gun battle between criminal organizations.

By H. Nelson Goodson
May 27, 2011

Ruiz, Nayarit, Mexico - On Wednesday, Oscar Herrera, the Nayarit State Attorney General (PGR) reported that shortly after 4:40 p.m. residents in the municipality of Ruiz called state and federal authorities about a gun battle between two groups. The gun battle lasted almost an hour, but authorities arrived 20 minutes later when they received the first emergency 066 call.
The incident was sparked by a kidnapping of a man from Peña, a small town in the municipality of Túxpan by a group of men in three vehicles. The suspects fled to Ruiz when they were confronted and believed ambused by a rival group on federal highway 15 Tepic-Masatlán, which ignited the gun battle.
Authorities blocked portions of highway 15 near the 66 kilometer where the gun battle broke. Federal Police, the military, the Nayarit state police and municipal police responded, according to the PGR.
At least 29 members from rival drug cartels were confirmed dead. Most of the dead wore camouflage military type uniforms with bullet proof vests. Ten bodies were found around vehicles and 17 in a truck bed and spread out along the side of the highway.
Los Zetas, the Pacific Drug Cartel, Gulf Cartel and the Sinaloa Cartel have been feuding in the area for control in Nayarit. The Sinaloa Cartel has a strong following in Nayarit, according the Mexican Secretary of Defense (Sedena).
Fourteen vehicles used by the suspects were recovered, also high caliber weapons, two grenades and about 1,000 empty cartridges were found.

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U.S. Supreme Court Clears Way For States To Impose Sanctions Against Employers Who Hire Illegal Immigrant Workers

Employers who hire illegal workers can lose business licenses, U.S. Supreme Court ruled.

By H. Nelson Goodson
May 26, 2011

Washington, D.C. - On Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court on a vote 5 - 3 ruled that Arizona had a legal right to revoke business licenses from employers who hired illegal immigrants. The right for states to impose sanctions against employers who hire illegal employees derived from federal immigration laws, according to the court.
The ruling only applies to imposing sanctions against businesses that hire illegal workers. The ruling also clears the way for states to enact laws to revoke business licenses from companies that hire undocumented workers.
So far, eight states have enacted similar laws.

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Dane County Judge Ruled GOP Violated Open Meetings Law When Repealling State Employees Collective Bargaining Rights

Judge Maryann Sumi

GOP legislators broke open meetings law and illegally approved stripping most collective bargaining rights from most state employees.

By H. Nelson Goodson
May 26, 2011

Madison - On Thursday, Dane County Judge Maryann Sumi in a 33-page decision ruled that GOP legislators violated the open meetings law on March 9, when they did not give 24 hours notice of a committee meeting held to repeal most collective bargaining rights from state employees. Sumi's decision is a big blow to the Republican controlled legislature and Governor Scott Walker (R).
Sumi wrote that Esmael Ozanne, Dane County District Attorney had "clear and convincing evidence" that state Republican legislators did not give the 24 hour notice required to hold a committee meeting. Legislators are require to follow their own rules, laws, policies and are not exempt, according to Sumi's ruling.
J.B. Van Hollen, the State Attorney General or his office have not released a statement on Sumi's decision. The attorney general's office had argued the GOP legislators had abide by the open meetings laws.
Republicans could continue to appeal Sumi's decision or convene once more and provide the required 24 hours notice needed for a committee meeting to pass Act 10 again.
On June 6, the state Supreme Court will decide, if it will take the case.

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French Media Identified Strauss-Kahn's Sexual Assault Victim As Diallo Of Guinea

Nafissatou "Ophelia" Diallo

Photo posted at Inmalafide dot com

Sofitel Hotel cleanup maid that alleged Dominque Strauss-Kahn had sexually assaulted her has been identified by numerous French media.

By H. Nelson Goodson
May 26, 2011

New York City - Numerous French media outlets like the Slate, 20 Minutes, Le Figaro and others have identified the Sofitel Hotel housekeeper as Nafissatou Diallo, 32, nickname "Ophelia" of Guinea that accused French presidential hopeful and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Chief Dominque Strauss-Kahn, 62, of sexual assault. Slate France media contacted the New York State Attorney General's Office to confirm the victim's name as Diallo, but a spokesperson from the state attorney's office would not confirm or deny it was the victim, according to Slate.
Kahn resigned as chief of the IMF shortly after he was arrested on May 14 aboard an Air France flight minutes before lift off, which led police to escorted him out in handcuffs.
Diallo identified Kahn at a Manhattan police lineup and authorities confirmed DNA connecting Kahn to the assault was recovered. Kahn has denied any wrong doing.
At a preliminary hearing, a judge ruled that there was enough evidence to bound Kahn for trial. He is facing multiple felony charges of attempted rape and unlawful imprisonment. Kahn was freed on Wednesday on a one million dollar bail and surrendered his passport to New York authorities.
He moved to a Tribeca town house in New York temperarily and remains in house arrest, according to bail release conditions.
The criminal complaint states, Diallo went to clean a room that she thought was vacant. Kahn came into a room with no clothes. She ran out of the room after Kahn attacked her. He chased her into the hallway and force her back into the room. Kahn then forced Diallo to perform oral sex on him, according to police.
Diallo is a practicing Muslim and wears a traditional scarf to cover her hair. She is a single mother and has a teenage daughter. She also has permanent U.S. residency status, according to Inmalafide dot com who posted Diallo's photo.

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31-year-old Man Killed Over Dollar Drink At La Piazza

Luis E. Santiago

Suspect shoots brothers over drink

By H. Nelson Goodson
May 25, 2011

Milwaukee - On early Tuesday, police responded to a shooting before 1:00 a.m. at La Piazza Restaurant, 1504 E. North Ave. where investigators found two men shot inside. Luis E. Santiago, 31, an off-duty bartender at the restaurant was fatally shot several times in the back and neck. His brother, Antonio Santiago, 28, who was at the bar was also critically shot, but survived the shooting, according to police.
La Piazza was scheduled to close it doors permanently on May 29. The restaurant was having a $1 drink special on Monday night. When one of the Santiago's mistakenly took a drink from the bar belonging to someone else and sparked an argument with three men. One of the men took out a weapon and shot the Santiago's.
Police have two suspects in custody and a third man is being sought.

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Chicken Coops For Residents Approved By Milwaukee Common Council

Photo: Hen houses dot com

Four chickens allowed for each single family residence.

By H. Nelson Goodson
May 25, 2011

Milwaukee - On Tuesday, the Milwaukee Common Council by a vote of 8 to 5 passed a strict chicken ordinance allowing all city residents to set-up chicken coops on a trial basis for the purpose of laying eggs. The ordinance allows for residents to apply for a $35 permit to keep up to four chickens within city limits. The ordinance was sponsored by Alderman Nik Kovac and is good for one year. The Common Council will revisit the bill in six months when the Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS) submits a preliminary update report on the outcome of the ordinance. If the Council doesn't take any action after six months the measure dies automatically when it expires.
Residents can apply for permits at City Hall in the next 45 days to allow the DNS to print information about the ordinance and the maintance of sanitary chicken coops. Residents applying for permits must first get consent from the property owners and surrounding neighbors. The ordinance strictly requires that, "Prior to the issuance of a permit, the applicant shall obtain the written consent of the owner of the property where the chickens shall be kept and owners of all directly or diagonally abutting properties, including those across an alley... No person shall keep any rooster. No person shall slaughter any chickens."
The coop can't be within 25 yards of another home and have at least 16 square feet including yard space per chicken. Chickens can't be killed for consumption.
No roosters will be allowed to be kept by residents. Hens can lay at least one egg per day without a rooster and don't need a rooster to lay eggs. Roosters are only needed to fertilize eggs to raise chicks.
Aldermen who voted to approved the measure included Kovak, Bob Bauman, Jim Bohl, Milele Coggs, Ashanti Hamilton, Michael Murphy, Jim Witkowiak and T. Anthony Zielinski. Those opposed to the measure were Common Council President Willie Hines Jr. and Aldermen Joe Dudzik Jr., Willie Wade, Bob Donovan and Terry Witkowski. Absent from the meeting were Aldermen Joe Davis Sr. and Robert Puente.
Donovan, the Chair of the Public Safety Committee opposed the measure and said the chickens are noisy.
The measure goes before Mayor Tom Barrett. Barrett hasn't decided to sign the measure or to veto it. Aldermen need 10 votes to override a Mayor's veto.
Both the DNS and the Milwaukee Health Department supported the chicken coop ordinance and contributed to its writing. The DNS reported that it gets about 10 complaints a year about chickens being kept by Milwaukee residents.
Some Milwaukee aldermen and residents didn't take long to criticize the Common Council for passing such an ordinance. Will the City of Milwaukee become known as the friendly Chicken Coop Town or Egg Laying City? Residents just have to wait and see how it turns out.

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Edwards Subject Of Federal Grand Jury Probe for Using Campaign Contributions To Hide Extramarital Affair

John Edwards

U.S. Attorney expected to unseal grand jury indictment in early June against former presidential Democratic candidate John Edwards for allegedly using campaign contributions to cover-up affair.

By H. Nelson Goodson
May 25, 2011

Raleigh, North Carolina - On Wednesday, MSNBC dot com reported that former U.S. Senator and presidential candidate John Edwards is under federal investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) for allegations that campaign contributions were used to hide an affair with a former staffer. A federal grand jury probe focused on possible campaign violations in the last two years is expected to be unsealed in early June. An indictment is likely against Edwards, according to sources in the USDOJ,
Edwards is accused of using campaign contributions to hide an affair with Reille Hunter who had a child with Edwards. Hunter was in charge of photographing and video recording Edwards during the presidential bid for 2008. He began his presidential campaign in December 26, 2006.
Huge donations by wealthy contributors were provided to the campaign and federal investigators alleged that more than $1 million was used to cover-up the relationship. The Edwards extramarital affair was later exposed by the Enquire tabloid.

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Pridemore, Wisconsin State Legislator Introduced Similar Arizona Immigration Bill

Representative Donald Pridemore

Wisconsin immigration bill will cost taxpayers an estimated $250 million to defend, including from a state boycott keeping away tourist spending, lack of revenue in taxes and wages.

By H. Nelson Goodson
May 24, 2011

Madison - On Monday, State Representative Donald Pride (R-Hartford) announced through a press release that he introduced a similar Arizona immigration bill in an Assembly committee. The immigration bill would have to pass the committee first before it proceeds to the whole state Assembly for its approval. The bill would then head for the full Senate to be approved, which both the Assembly and Senate are controlled by Republicans. Finally, the immigration bill would end up at Governor Scott Walker's desk for his signature to make it law. Walker has promised to sign such a bill into law.
On Tuesday, the Associated Press reported that spokesmen for Wisconsin Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald and Governor Walker said that Pridemore's immigration bill is a low priority and legislators will eventually discuss the bill in the near future. GOP leaders and Governor Walker are focusing on the budget and jobs creations for now.
Pridemore began working on the bill on August 2010 and has gone through four revisions to eliminate any racial profiling. The bill prevents local governments in Wisconsin from providing sanctuary to illegal immigrants and to keep them from getting any taxpayer funded benefits, which they are not entitled too, according to Pridemore.
Illegal immigrants and their children in Wisconsin are subject too and do pay taxes by law, but continue to be discriminated against benefiting from their own fruits. Currently, state Republicans are pushing to repeal in-state tuition for undocumented students attending universities and colleges in the state.
Pridemore's statement, “This is an action that should have begun long ago when the federal government and the current administration stopped efforts to secure our borders. Now that the illegal drug trade and human trafficking have put the lives and property of those along our borders in peril, we must do all we can to dissuade the criminal element from looking at Wisconsin as a safe haven,” Pridemore said. “The ‘status quo’ is unacceptable in terms of the costs of law enforcement, crime, taxes, and social benefits, along with a host of other social problems tied to the issue. To simply do nothing would sentence another generation of families to a life of hiding in car trunks, continuously looking over their shoulder and continuing to be slaves of their work environment,” Pridemore explained. Pridemore's reasons to introduce the immigration bill are very extreme and failed to inform taxpayers it will cost them millions of dollars to defend it, if legally challenged and about state economic boycotts his bill will ignite. Wisconsin is facing a $3.6 billion dollar deficit and the immigration bill will create more division among the population. The immigration bill will lead to racial profiling in the state regardless of Pridemore's intend to limit it.
“However,” Pridemore added, “we will take strong measures to ensure that the bill does not promote racial profiling.” Under the new bill, a law enforcement officer may not consider a person’s race, color, or national origin when conducting an investigation. Nor will local law enforcement be allowed to determine a person’s immigration status. Reasonable suspicion of breaking this law can only begin after the 48 hour period of not providing identification has passed.
An individual who has first broken the law, and then fails to prove his or her lawful presence in the U.S., may be held for up to 48 hours. During that time the person will be allowed to obtain appropriate documentation. If the person cannot produce the required documents, the matter will be referred to federal immigration services, according to Pridemore.
Two states, Arizona and Georgia have enacted immigration bills giving authority to local authorities to question the legal status of suspects stopped during traffic violations and domestic investigations, but they have become stalled through legal challenges by the ACLU, civil rights organizations and clergy groups. In contrary to both Arizona and Georgia, the state of Utah passed an immigration bill allowing illegal immigrants and their families to seek permits to reside and work in the state subject to federal government approval.
In Arizona where such a bill SB 1070 was first approved has cost taxpayers millions of dollars to defend it, after the U.S. Department of Justice challenged it in federal court. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer (R) plans to take the bill to the U.S. Supreme Court after a federal appeals court ruled that the lower court acted appropriately to block key provisions of SB 1070 making it useless.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Voces de la Frontera, the clergy and other groups have vowed to legally challenge the Wisconsin immigration bill once it is approved by Governor Walker. Voces de la Frontera plans to mobilize major protests against Pridemore's anti-immigrant bill.
Voces in a press release says, Representative Pridemore's bill requires law enforcement officers in Wisconsin to interrogate people they detain about their immigration status, if they have "reasonable suspicion" that the person is undocumented is a vague term. The vagueness of the term "reasonable suspicion" is exactly what gives cover to legalizing racial profiling.
"We will not tolerate this vicious bill, designed to lead directly to racial profiling and the criminalization of innocent people. Voces is prepared to mobilize widely in opposition." says Primitivo Torres, president of Voces de la Frontera.
The Center for American Progress estimates that boycotts agains Arizona in response to SB 1070 could also cost Wisconsin more than $250 million in taxes, tourist spending and wages. Pridemore's bill is designed to do the same to Wisconsin, a state already facing economic challenges.
This legislation also violates U.S. Constitutional rules, including the denial of Fourteenth Amendment equal protection guarantees, because it illegally encourages racial discrimination against Latinos and other people having foreign appearance or who sound foreign. By interfering with the federal government's authority to regulate and enforce immigration law, it also opposes the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

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I'm taking a short break... =)

Hey there everyone! I just moved to Punta Gorda, FL. It's been a little crazy so I'm just getting my things together and as soon as I finish doing everything I will start posting again. Thank you for your patience!

British Court Censured UK Publications From Identifying Giggs In Alleged Affair

Photo: Sportsgrid dot com

Footballer gets British court to censor media from reporting alleged relationship with Welsh model.

By H. Nelson Goodson
May 23, 2011

Uk - On Sunday, the Sunday Herald tabloid defied a British court injunction to keep news publications from identifying Manchester United's footballer Ryan Giggs, 37, in an alleged seven month affair with Welsh model and former Big Brother star Imogen Thomas. Giggs succeeded to get a British court to issue an injunction against Thomas and the Sun Newspaper including a extended ban for any UK publication from identifying him in an alleged fling with Thomas.
The affair was first exposed by an unidentified Tweeter and then it went viral on the social networks when the court issued an injunction. At least 75,000 Twitter users spread the alleged affair and even John Hemming, the Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament exposed Giggs name in addressing the Parliament concerning Giggs attempt to identify the users. Anyone exposing Giggs name would be in contempt of court resulting in hefty fines and possible jail time. Hemming argued Giggs push to hold Twitter users in contempt would be unlikely, but the British court affirmed the Giggs injunction despite several attempts to vacate the decision, BBC in UK reported.
The Sunday Herald in Scotland finally published the story on Sunday after being exposed on the social networks.
Giggs is also suing Twitter dot com a U.S. company to try and get the identity of the tweeter and users who tweeted the alleged affair with Thomas. Twitter dot com has not released the names.
In other media reports, Giggs accused Thomas of blackmail and exposing the affair, which she has denied. Giggs has been no stranger to controversy.
Giggs is currently married with children and the exposure of the affair with Thomas could lead into a messy divorce, if in fact the affair took place. Thomas hasn't denied the affair or has been able to get an injunction in a British court to keep her name out of the gossip columns.
Sportsgrid dot com reported that the Scotland's Sunday Herald agrued, since the Giggs and Thomas affair has been made public on social networks and Internet, the tabloids and media outlets in the UK should be allowed to publish the allegations.
The Sunday Herald didn't post the story on its website and since the paper is located in Scotland, the British injunction doesn't apply, according to editors.

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Zach Braff to soon reach a million Facebook fans!

Zach Braff on Facebook

The number of Zach Braff Facebook fans are growing so fast these days! Last night, Zach Braff couldn't contain his excitement towards reaching almost 900,00 Zach Braff Facebook fans... well, we all couldn't either! Let's get to a million Zach Braff Facebook fans! Click on: Zach Braff Facebook fans to like Zach Braff on Facebook! Speaking of Zach Braff guys, I opened a page for Zach Braff fans where you can share anything a about Zach Braff including your pictures with him! Like Zach Braff fans on Facebook today!

Barragán-Balderas, Gulf Cartel Leader From Miguel Aleman Captured In Reynosa By Mexican Federal Police

Gilberto Barragán-Balderas

The U.S. Department of State offered $5 million reward for information leading to Gulf Cartel leader.

By H. Nelson Goodson
May 20, 2011

Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico - On Friday, Eduardo Pequeño, Director of the Mexican Federal Police Anti-drug Division reported that Gilberto Barragán-Balderas, 41, aka, "Heriberto" and "Tocayo" had been arrested at his own birthday party taking place in the city of Reynosa. A tip to the Federal Police led authorities to where Balderas was having a party. Balderas was one of the ten most wanted Mexican drug cartel criminals by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Along with Balderas, Mexican police also arrested Sergio Gutiérrez Costañon and Ramon Eduardo Mejía González, members of the Gulf Cartel. Balderas was in charge of protecting drug smuggling routes to the U.S. and McAllen, Texas. He also supervised and ordered brutal killings of rival drug cartel members in the area of Miguel Aleman where he originally is from and escalated the drug war against Los Zetas. Balderas gathered intelligence regarding the movement and locations of military and State police patrols and mobile checkpoints, thus protecting shipments of cocaine and marijuana for the Gulf Cartel.
He is charged in a 2008 Federal indictment in the District of Columbia with violations of Title 21 USC Sections 959, 960, 963, and Title 18 USC Section 2. The U.S. Department of State had offered a reward up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Balderas, according to the U.S. Department of State website.

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The Maestro, film by David Lunday, seeks funding!

The Maestro, by David Lunday

Exclusive Bomshell! The Maestro, a film by David Lunday has now their own funding page on kickstarter.com! Follow David Lunday on Twitter for the latest updates. Join David Lunday's The Maestro in this newsmaking opportunity that is now surfacing headlines all over! Trusted sources are now confirming that this is in fact a post-production funding campaign and you can be a part in the credits of the film, followed by a humble donation. As a matter of fact, David Lunday uncovers what can be an incredible chance: a $1,000 pledge can also give you the Associate Producer credit and a $2,000 pledge can even give you the Executive Producer credit, ladies and gentlemen! Let's get this going guys... they only have until Saturday, July 16, 2011 to reach their $20,000 goal so they can officially be funded! Watch The Maestro trailer now!

Shawn Deena releases new single: Stay Open

Shawn Deena music

 If you love Shawn Deena music, then you'll love his new single even more! I feel absolutely honored to say that the new song titled: "Stay Open", was created after a short, humble, and inspiring conversation that Shawn Deena and I had last week. Thank you Shawn Deena; I will always consider you one of my best friends.

Citgo Auto Truck Stop Plaza In Sturtevant Pulls Illegal Immigrant Hunting Bumper Sticker Permit From Shelve

Protest cancelled after hunting immigrant permits removed.

By H. Nelson Goodson
May 19, 2011

Sturtevant - On Thursday, Voces de la Frontera from Milwaukee phrased Robert F. Basil, the owner and president of Albas Inc., who operates the Citgo Auto Truck Stop, 611 S. Sylvania Ave. adjacent to the Iron Skillet on I-94 and Highway 20 for removing bumper sticker permits to hunt illegal immigrants from the shelve. The stickers were sold for $4 to $5.00 a piece. To some the stickers are a form of speech, novelty, comical and to others it promotes hate and violence towards immigrants.
Voces de la Frontera an immigrant and workers right non-profit organization in a press release cancelled a protest scheduled for Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at the Citgo and instead the gathering will take place to present Basil with a Civic Business Award for removing the KKK type sticker deemed racist, which could also be construed as promoting hate and violence, according to Voces.
Hispanic News Network U.S.A. reported on Wednesday that Basil had removed the sticker from the business, according to an employee.

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Mexican Feds Discovered 513 Illegal Immigrants In Two Semi-Trailers In Southern Mexico Headed To U.S. Border

X-rays made available by the PGR showed that gang smugglers jammed hundreds of illegal immigrants into trailers.

By H. Nelson Goodson
May 19, 2011

Chiapas, Mexico - On Tuesday, Mexican federal authorities and the Chiapas state police reported that they detained 513 illegal immigrants from at least nine countries in the Southern border state of Chiapas. The immigrants were being smuggled from Guatemala in two semi-trailers. Mexican immigration officials discovered the immigrants after taking x-rays of both the trailer cargo sections.
In one trailer they found 273 men and in the second they found 240 including 32 women and four children, the Chiapas Attorney General's Office (PGR) confirmed.
The immigrants told authorities that they paid $7,000 each to be smuggled through Mexico and were headed to the U.S. border. They were travelling in hot and harsh conditions inside the enclosed trailers. All of the immigrants were taken into custody to be processed.
The drivers were also detained and officials say the human trafficking and smuggling operation is connected to local drug cartel gangs.
Mexican police confirmed, that 410 immigrants were from Guatemala, 41 from El Salvador, 32 from Ecuador, 12 from India, 6 from Napels, 3 from China, 1 each from Honduras, Santo Domingo and Japan.

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Sturtevant Citgo Auto Truck Plaza Selling Illegal Immigrant Hunting Permits As Stickers Angers Latinos In The Area

Photo by Voces de la Frontera

A popular I-94 truck stop engaging in promoting hate and violence against immigrants in Wisconsin through the sale of bumper stickers.

By H. Nelson Goodson
May 18, 2011

Sturtevant - On Wednesday, Robert F. Basil, the owner and president of Albas Inc., who operates the Citgo Auto Truck Stop, 611 S. Sylvania Ave. adjacent to the Iron Skillet on I-94 and Highway 20 came under fire by members of the Latino community for selling hunting permits as bumper stickers to hunt illegal immigrants. The stickers are sold for $4 to $5.00 a piece. To some the stickers are a form of speech, novelty, comical and to others it promotes hate and violence towards immigrants.
Voces de la Frontera from Milwaukee, an immigrant and workers right non-profit organization in a press release blasted Basil, including the Citgo gas truck stop for selling and helping to promote the KKK type stickers, which could be construed as advocating violence against would be customers and the community at large.
Basil could not be reached for comment on late Wednesday. An employee who answered the call said the stickers have been pulled from the shelve, but could not be confirmed. Basil has yet to release a statement that the stickers have been removed.
Citgo has at least 10 employees and generates about $2 to $6 million per year in revenues.
Voces plans to stage a protest at the Citgo truck stop at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. A caravan of vehicles from Racine will drive to the truck stop to join the manifestation against the sale of stickers deemed to promote hate and violence against immigrants.
The FBI reported that between 2003 to 2006, hate crimes against Latinos had increase by 35% in the U.S.

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Hill Harper Girlfriend? Relationship Tips!

This post brought to you by TwoOfUs. All opinions are 100% mine.

A Hill Harper girlfriend? What is the first thing that comes up to your mind when you try to establish a connection with the phrases "Hill Harper girlfriend 2011", "Hill Harper dating 2011", "Who is Hill Harper dating?" and "Is Hill Harper married"? Let's go further beyond, in an exclusive Hill Harper interview, Hill Harper spills out the secrets on relationship tips and relationship advice! Click here to view the Hill Harper interview! Now that can give us  and idea of what it would be like being in the position of a Hill Harper girlfriend 2011 or a Hill Harper wife 2011! If you want to know everything about the best relationship advice, take a look at this:  Everybody has been buzzing about what could be the best relationship advice website 2011; it is TwoOfUs.org!  How to keep a guy interested in you? How to keep a girl interested in you? How to keep a relationship strong? Where can I find the best dating advice?  TwoOfUs.org offers tips on keeping your relationship fresh! I'm really curious to know, what are some of your common relationship questions? By the way, have you liked them on Facebook yet? Well, I just did! So like Two of Us on Facebook today!

Top Comic Book Artists 2011

I just created my list of top comic book artists 2011! Check it out by clicking here: top comic book artists 2011. I will give you a tease, in my list of top comic book artists 2011  you will find top comic book artists 2011 such as Jason Craig, Jim Lee, Dale Keown, and many, many more! Check out my top comic book artists 2011 list now!

Kendra Wilkinson: Golf Tournament for Charity!

Kendra Wilkinson Golf Tournament 2011

The Kendra Wilkinson Golf Tournament to benefit The Oasis Children's Advocacy Center will take place on Saturday, May 21, 2011 at the Hard Rock Casino in Albuquerque, New Mexico! At this point the Kendra Wilkinson Golf Tournament website can't take online registrations, but you can still pre-register on-site on Friday May 20, 2011, as available. They will also be taking walk-ons this Saturday morning... so you'll be okay!
Here's also another way you can help: Donate today!  Visit GranCor Enterprises, Inc. also for more useful information. Kendra Wilkinson Golf Tournament is waiting for you!
Oh, and don't forget to visit the website of Kendra Wilkinson! She's got lots of cool things to show you!

Schwarzenegger Had Child With Baena A Housestaffer Resulting In Recent Separation From Shriver

Mildred Baena

Mildred "Patty" Baena and son.

Photos posted in My Space

Schwarzenegger hid secret for more than 10 years from wife.

By H. Nelson Goodson
May 17, 2011

Los Angeles - On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Times reported that former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, 63, (R) admitted to confessing to his wife Maria Shriver, 55, of having a child with a household staffer. The staffer had worked for the couple for about 20 years and retired in January, according to the LA Times.
The housestaffer was identified as Mildred Patricia Baena, 50, alias "Patty" of Calabasas, California by Radaronline dot com. Baena is Hispanic, according to My Space. Schwarzenegger had hid the secret for over 10 years from his wife and four children.
Apparently, Baena had unprotected sex with Schwarzenegger during the day while she worked as a housestaffer and Shriver was not at home. She became pregnant and didn't tell Schwarzenegger about it until the child was older. At first, he thought the child was someone else's, Baena finally told Schwarzenegger that he was the father. Baena continued to work for Schwarzenegger so she could get her pension when she retired. Shriver never suspected they continued to have a sexual relationship at her residence. No information was released about when both Baena and Schwarzenegger stopped the relationship.
She continues to get some financial support for the child from Schwarzenegger. Baena currently is not financially well off and is struggling to meet financial needs, according to Radaronline and other sources.
Most likely, Baena will seek more paternity child support from Schwarzenegger who is worth millions, since the sexual affair that resulted with a child has been made public. She could end up selling her side of the story to publications, syndicated talk shows or national media outlets.
In California, both Schwarzenegger and Shriver will likely end up in a divorce. When couples divorce in most states it's a 50/50 split of property and what was generated through the marriage under state law.
An article by Gawker dot com reported, that another affair was first exposed by the London Daily Mail in 2003. The London Daily Mail article by Wendy Leigh reported then that Tammy Tousignant in her 20's when she first began to work as a stewardess on Schwarzenegger's private jet was having an affair with him. Tammy admitted she had worked for Schwarzenegger for 11 years as of October 2003, but denied having an affair with Schwarzenegger. She previously gave birth to Tanner Tousignant who graduated from Brea Olinda High School in 2010. Tanner, 19, denied he was Schwarzenegger's son to Gawker when recently reached through Facebook.
Tammy now 38, had previously denied the affair with Schwarzenegger, but had admitted to friends that indeed Schwarzenegger was the father, according to Gawker. Both Tanner and his mother live in Brea, California.
Gawker reported that the LA Times had withheld the story about the affair since 2003, until this week when Schwarzenegger finally admitted he was Tanner's father. Tammy's lawyer says, DNA indicates he is not the father.
When the housestaffer was approached by the LA Times recently informing her that Schwarzenegger had admitted he fathered her, Baena would not comment.
The revelation to Shriver that Schwarzenegger had fathered another child after he left office as governor, led to last week Monday's announcement of their separation. Shriver moved out from their Brentwood home before the separation was announced and had been married to Schwarzenegger for 25 years.
Emerging details by CNN dot com:

Schwarzenegger's son with former housestaffer Baena was born on October 2, 1997, less than a week after Shriver gave birth to the couple's child Christopher who is now 13.
Baena got divorced three weeks after giving birth. In the birth certificate she put her former husband as the father of the child born in 1997. In filing for a separation, she checked the box that the child in the marriage was not his.
Baena is of Guatemalan descent and currently lives in Bakersfield, California in a four bedroom home that Schwarzenegger bought for her. In her My Space profile account it shows she lives in Calabasas, California and that she is Hispanic.

Mildred Baena and son

Photo: My Space

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Save America's Most Wanted is on Facebook!

America's Most Wanted cancelled

America's Most Wanted cancelled? The AMW cancelled situation has caused so much chaos, the number of anti "America's Most Wanted cancelled" supporters in order to bring it back to life is rapidly growing! While watching Fox 13 News, I discovered that America's Most Wanted got cancelled  and that there are a few pages on Facebook that were created in order to save America's Most Wanted, but there is one in particular that is growing faster than the others, and that is this one:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-Americas-Most-Wanted /160575763985016 ( The America's Most Wanted petition to keep show on the air.). So feel free to go check it out, talk about a why America's Most Wanted got cancelled and if you think they should save it, then show your support today!

Nine Wisconsin State Senators Facing A Recall Election In July

Recall elections for nine state senators could take place in early July.

By H. Nelson Goodson
May 17, 2011

Madison - On Monday, the Government Accountability Board (GAB) is expected to certify recall elections for nine state senators. The election could take place as soon as July 12, once the GAB determines there are sufficient signatures for a recall of each senator.
Wisconsin state Senators facing recalls are six Republicans, Alberta Darling, Randy Hopper, Robert Cowles, Luther Olsen, Sheila Harsdorf and Dan Kapanke. Three Democrats facing recalls are Dave Hansen, Jim Holperin and Robert Wirch.
The Republicans have been recall for voting to eliminate collective bargaining rights for most state employees. The Democrats are being recall for leaving the state for a month to stall a vote to eliminate union state employees to engage in collective bargaining.
Governor Scott Walker (R) who signed a bill to end collective bargaining is expected to face a recall once he completes one year in office.
The bill ending bargaining rights for state employees has been stalled in court. Democrats challenged the bill and the process in which it was passed. Republican only gave a two hour notice for a meeting, instead of the required 24 hour notice of a meeting to debate the bill.

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Perez, Former Wisconsin DWD Secretary Confirms Money Was Not Great For Position Which Led To His Resignation

Manual "Manny" Perez

Speculation grows over former secretary abrupt resignation from the Department of Workforce Development in Wisconsin.

By H. Nelson Goodson
May 16, 2011

Madison - The recent abrupt resignation of Manuel "Manny" Perez, 55, former state Secretary of the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has prompted speculation over his decision to leave a Cabinet position in Governor Scott Walker's (R) administration. Last Wednesday, Perez sent an e-mail announcing his immediate resignation to all DWD staff. He gave limited information for his decision to resign, but mention he was going back to the private business sector. Within days, his named was taken off the DWD official website.
Currently, Perez says he will take some time off and is looking for other opportunities in the private sector.
In an e-mail to friends shared with the Dominicanos Unidos de WI, Perez wrote, that "The money really was not great, and I feel the need for competition and money from the private sector...As the last five months have been quite intense, I will take a couple of days to re-charge and evaluate opportunities."
Perez was the only Hispanic in a Cabinet position in Walker's administration and the first Hispanic to serve as DWD Secretary, but served less than five months in the position.
DWD has over 1,600 state employees in six divisions and operates with an annual budget of nearly $500 million. Deputy Secretary Scott Baumbach has taken over DWD temperarily until a permanent secretary is chosen by Walker.
No official comment has been released by Governor Walker's office.

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Mother's Red Dress trailer: Film runs cnline campaign!

Mother's Red Dress film

Watch the Mother's Red Dress trailer now! Mother's Red Dress film is currently seeking more amazing supporters! Mother's Red Dress is a social feature film that addresses the issues on domestic violence, abuse, and mental illness. Visit the Mother's Red Dress Kickstarter site for more information of how you can be part of this unforgettable and impacting experience! Filmmakers Edgar Michael Bravo and John Paul Rice will be donating 10% of every dollar raised to an organization that helps fight the severe effects of  domestic violence and abuse. Find Mother's Red Dress on Facebook! On a separate note, to those of you that still don't know, check the website of my upcoming debut novel, Life is Like a Box of Chocolates, An Inspirational Novel, which also addresses the issues of domestic violence. If you'd like to become a supporter, there are various options that you can choose from... so just navigate through the menu and you'll be able to find out how to participate.You will be featured!

Uri Man to appear on Fox Business today!

Uriman on Fox News tonight at 5:45pm

Global Market Strategist, radio host, and former Millionaire Matchmaker reality star Uri Man will appear  tonight once again on Fox Business at 5:45pm ET! Stay up to date by following Uri Man on Twitter! Exclusive: Check out my interview with Uri Man!

Update: 3:01pm ET:
Uri Man has just informed me that the show is called The Willis Report with Gerri Willis. Follow The Willis Report and Gerri Willis on Twitter!

Update: 8:36pm ET:
The video is now running on YouTube. Watch it below!

Zach Braff Fans on Facebook

 Hey there guys! I hope everyone had a great weekend! I just created a page for Zach Braff fans ...so if you think Zach Braff is an awesome actor, take a a second to like it! It's going to be our little Zach Braff fan club! Have you met Zach Braff in person before? Don't forget to share your photos taken with Zach Braff on this page! Feel free to share anything that you'd like about Zach Braff films, Zach Braff news, Zach Braff photos 2011, and Zach Braff everything!

33 U.S. Senate Democrats Reintroduced The DREAM Act

Photo: HNG

Bill will help immigrant students earn a path to citizenship and House of Representatives introduced similar DREAM Act.

By H. Nelson Goodson
May 16, 2011

Washington, D.C. - Last week,  Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and 30 other Senators introduced the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, according to a press release by Senator Durbin's office. The bill will give undocumented students a chance to earn legal status, if they came here as children, are long-term U.S. residents, have good moral character, and complete two years of college or military service in good standing.
A similar bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Howard Berman (D-CA), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, (R-FL) and Luis Gutierrez (D-IL).
Passing the DREAM Act could benefit the U.S. economy by helping to cut about $1.4 to $2.3 billion from the federal deficit in ten years. The DREAM Act would also stimulate the American economy.
A UCLA study concluded that DREAM Act participants could contribute $1.4 - $3.6 trillion to the U.S. economy during their working lives. College students under the DREAM Act are expected to earn about 60% more than students with only a high school education, according to the White House.
“Our immigration laws prevent thousands of young people from fully contributing to our nation’s future. These young people have lived in this country for most of their lives. It is the only home they know. They are American in every sense except their technical legal status,” said Assistant Senate Majority Leader and author of the DREAM Act Dick Durbin. “They are honor roll students, star athletes, talented artists and valedictorians. These children are tomorrow’s doctors, nurses, teachers, policemen, firefighters, soldiers, and senators, and we should give them the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
“The DREAM Act will give children brought to this nation by their parents through no fault of their own – children who in many cases have known no other country – the opportunity to earn legal status. Only those who stay in school and out of trouble, and who go on to college or to defend our country in the armed forces would be eligible. Allowing these students to become productive citizens is not only good for them – it makes economic sense, would reduce our deficit by $2.2 billion in a decade and would strengthen our military and national security,” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said.
"We should not punish children for their parents’ past decisions. The students who would be helped by the DREAM Act did not make the decision to enter this country in an undocumented fashion. They've followed the rules, worked hard in school and now they want to serve this country in the military or get a higher education. Equally important, they love the United States, the only home many of them have known, and should be permitted to continue here in pursuit of the American Dream,” Senator Robert Menendez said.
“The DREAM Act is a critical step to reforming our immigration system,” said Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT). “This legislation will enable a well-deserving group of young people to better serve our country. I was disappointed last year when the Senate was not allowed to even debate the DREAM Act, but I am committed to working with Senator Durbin, Leader Reid and others to advance this important bill.”
In order to be eligible for the DREAM Act individuals must have;

• Come to the U.S. as children (15 or under)
• Be long-term U.S. residents (continuous physical presence for at least five years)
• Have good moral character
• Graduate from high school or obtain a GED
• Complete two years of college or military service in good standing

DREAM Act participants are not eligible for Pell and other federal grants and are subject to tough criminal penalties for fraud. DREAM Act applicants must apply within one year of obtaining a high school degree/GED or the bill’s enactment; and must prove eligibility by a preponderance of the evidence. To be eligible, an individual must submit biometric information; undergo background checks and a medical exam; register for the Selective Service; demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak English; and demonstrate knowledge of the history and government of the U.S. An individual cannot qualify if he or she is ineligible for immigration relief on criminal or national security grounds.
In the 111th Congress, the DREAM Act passed the House and received a strong bipartisan majority vote from 55 Senators. According to a recent poll by Opinion Research Corporation 70% of likely voters favor the DREAM Act, including 60% of Republicans.
The following Senators are also cosponsors of the DREAM Act: Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Carl Levin (D-MI), Mark Begich (D-AK), Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Al Franken (D-MN), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Kerry (D-MA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Herb Kohl (D-WI), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Mark Udall (D-CO), and Sheldon Whitehouse.

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